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CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story
Item: CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Single Player

AvailableMay 23, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X

DeveloperDouble Stallion Games

Overview

CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story is a single player, action platformer game developed by Double Stallion Games and published by Riot Forge. Players will explore the spectacular world of Zaun as Ekko, a young inventor with an ingenious device to manipulate time. Follow Ekko’s journey, a fan-favorite LoL Champion, as he discovers that the power to change time comes with many consequences.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Praises for its engaging, character-driven story and accessible Ekko origin, but criticized for predictability, uneven pacing, and lore-heavy confusion—still a must-play for fans despite flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of reviewers praise CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story for its engaging narrative structure, character development, and integration with the broader League of Legends universe. Digital Chumps highlights the game’s “compelling story involving several characters from Runeterra” and its “cohesive fashion,” while Nintendo Life describes it as a “solid and somewhat predictable narrative” with a “likeable protagonist and supporting characters.” Pocket Tactics emphasizes that the game provides an accessible origin story for Ekko, making it approachable even for newcomers. PlayStation Universe lauds the “engaging and emotionally resonant” storytelling, noting the “cast of characters that players can care about,” while GamesRadar+ praises its “unique topics” and “lovable and memorable characters.” The game’s focus on Ekko’s time-traveling journey and his interactions with future self also receives acclaim, as noted by Siliconera, which highlights “emotional depth” in his relationships. These reviews collectively underscore the game’s strengths in world-building and narrative immersion. However, several critics point to notable flaws, including predictability, lack of originality, and uneven storytelling. Everyeye.it criticizes the story as “uninspired and less effective than The Mageseeker,” while Wccftech finds it “confusing and difficult to follow” for those unfamiliar with League of Legends lore. TheXboxHub describes the narrative as “rushed and inconsistent,” citing “different storytelling methods used for different story beats.” App Trigger also notes a lack of “character development and feeling of purpose” compared to other entries in the series. Additionally, some reviewers, like Gamereactor UK, mention that while the twists are well-written, the narrative occasionally “loses itself,” and Shacknews points out that the story’s “shift in scenery” is praised but its mechanics feel disjointed. These critiques suggest that while the game succeeds in many areas, it struggles with pacing and depth for some players. Overall, the critical reception of CONV/RGENCE leans positive, with most reviewers appreciating its accessible storytelling, character-driven focus on Ekko, and expansion of League of Legends lore. Critics like Nintendo Life, PlayStation Universe, and GamesRadar+ highlight its emotional resonance and engaging narrative, while others, such as Pocket Tactics and Meristation, commend its ability to draw in both fans and newcomers. However, the game faces criticism for predictability, uneven pacing, and a lack of originality in certain aspects, as noted by Everyeye.it and TheXboxHub. Despite these shortcomings, the consensus suggests that CONV/RGENCE is a worthwhile experience for League of Legends enthusiasts, offering a cohesive and immersive story that balances familiarity with creative exploration of Zaun’s world.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Praises for its engaging, character-driven story and accessible Ekko origin, but criticized for predictability, uneven pacing, and lore-heavy confusion—still a must-play for fans despite flaws.

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Praise for CONV/RGENCE’s inventive time-manipulation mechanics, tight platforming, and fresh metroidvania design—but repetitive enemies, lackluster bosses, and overly easy combat undermine its potential. A flawed but thrilling standout in the genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story is widely praised for its innovative blend of metroidvania mechanics, time-based combat, and fluid platforming. Critics consistently highlight the game’s engaging gameplay loop, which merges exploration with strategic decision-making. Digital Chumps commends the “time-based combat and abilities [that] are implemented well,” while Nintendo Life applauds the “traditional Metroidvania design with excellent plot and gameplay pacing.” The time-manipulation mechanics, particularly Ekko’s rewind ability, are a standout feature, as noted by Pure Nintendo and TierraGamer, who emphasize their role in both combat and puzzle-solving. Pocket Tactics and PlayStation Universe praise the dynamic combat systems, with the latter calling it “innovative” and noting the “creative strategies” enabled by traversal abilities. The game’s emphasis on smart platforming and exploration is also lauded, with critics like The Games Machine and COGconnected highlighting its slick controls and immersive puzzle design. Despite these strengths, some critics point to recurring issues that detract from the experience. Pocket Tactics criticizes the “repetitive enemy types” and “dull boss fights,” while Everyeye.it finds the combat mechanics “less convincing.” Gamereactor UK notes that later-game combat becomes “too easy and repetitive,” and Ragequit.gr mentions that exploration rewards are “lacking.” Additionally, TheXboxHub points out that enemy AI is “basic” and traversal mechanics like wall-running feel under-challenging. While many praise the game’s time-rewind mechanic, some argue it softens the difficulty too much, as noted by TheXboxHub, which mentions the “combat [is] not very difficult due to the rewind mechanic.” These critiques suggest that while the core gameplay is strong, certain elements lack depth or variety. Overall, the majority of critics view CONV/RGENCE’s gameplay as a compelling entry in the metroidvania genre. The consensus leans heavily toward praise for its inventive time-manipulation mechanics, tight platforming, and satisfying progression system. Reviewers like Shacknews and Siliconera highlight the game’s “unique and interesting identity” within the genre, while GameGrin and But Why Tho? commend the “smooth controls” and “freshness” brought by ability upgrades. Even critics with reservations acknowledge the game’s strengths, such as MMORPG.com’s acknowledgment of its “enjoyable” mix of platforming and combat. While not without flaws, the game’s emphasis on exploration, skill-based challenges, and creative mechanics has earned it widespread acclaim, solidifying its reputation as a standout title in the metroidvania space.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics hailed CONV/RGENCE’s bold, comic-book-inspired visuals as a Metroidvania masterpiece, blending cyberpunk, steampunk, and neon-lit chaos into a vibrant, immersive world—but technical hiccups, like confusing UI and rushed details, occasionally dimmed the shine.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

81%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story for its vibrant, hyper-stylized visual design, which consistently evokes a comic book or graphic novel aesthetic. Nintendo Life highlighted the "hyper-stylized, comic book-esque art style" that aligns with the protagonist’s personality, while Pocket Tactics described Zaun as "visually stunning," blending elements of Aladdin and Blade Runner into a "vibrant and immersive environment." TierraGamer lauded the "impeccable graphics and visual design," noting the "unique art style, vibrant colors, and faithful character designs," while PlayStation Universe called it "one of the best-looking entries in the Metroidvania genre" due to its "colorful, comic book-style visuals" and fluid animations. The game’s cyberpunk-inspired environments, steampunk elements, and neon-lit cityscapes were frequently celebrated, with God is a Geek praising the "steampunk-inspired design of Zaun" and Siliconera highlighting the "bold character designs and detailed backgrounds." These reviews collectively underscore a strong emphasis on creativity, color, and originality in the game’s artistic direction. However, some critics pointed to technical and design flaws that detracted from the experience. COGconnected noted that the "graphic novel-inspired style" made it "difficult to distinguish interactive elements," while Gamereactor UK criticized "poorly designed areas" and frustrating traversal mechanics. TheXboxHub and ZTGD highlighted issues with "rushed details," such as duplicated background characters, mismatched mouth animations, and inconsistent cutscenes that alternated between static comic panels and full animation. Additionally, Comicbook.com observed that character models lacked emotional expressiveness despite the game’s "bright color palette," and SECTOR.sk noted that some cutscenes felt out of sync with the overall visual style. These critiques suggest that while the art direction was ambitious, certain execution issues occasionally undermined immersion or clarity. Despite these drawbacks, the overwhelming consensus among critics was highly positive, with most praising the game’s artistic vision as a standout feature. TheXboxHub’s criticism of "rushed" graphics stood in contrast to the near-universal acclaim from other platforms, where reviewers like Nintendo Life, Pocket Tactics, and PlayStation Universe celebrated the "unique and eye-catching" design. While some technical and structural issues were noted, they did not overshadow the general enthusiasm for the game’s visual identity. As Shacknews observed, the art style "stylizes League of Legends concepts alongside its original content," creating a cohesive and vibrant world that resonates with fans and newcomers alike. The combination of bold creativity, detailed environments, and dynamic animations solidified CONV/RGENCE as a visually compelling entry in the Metroidvania genre, even if minor flaws occasionally disrupted the experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics raved about CONV/RGENCE's immersive, cyberpunk-tinged audio design and electrifying score, with praise for its atmospheric depth, moody themes, and seamless integration into gameplay—though a few noted minor gaps in complexity or variety.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story received widespread acclaim, with critics praising their immersive and atmospheric qualities. Digital Chumps highlighted the "earwormy and memorable" soundtrack, while PlayStation Universe lauded the "superb audio presentation" that enhances the game’s overall experience. CGMagazine noted how the "upbeat soundtrack complements the gameplay well," and COGconnected praised the "electronic and industrial" score for fitting Zaun’s cyberpunk aesthetic. Gamereactor UK emphasized the "dense and mechanical sounds" of abilities and smooth musical transitions, while Meristation celebrated the "excellent sound design" with original voice actors contributing to immersion. Shacknews called the music "dang good," noting area-specific themes that add "moody depth" to environments. These reviews collectively underscore a strong appreciation for how audio elements elevate the game’s narrative and gameplay. While most critiques were positive, some reviewers pointed to minor shortcomings. TierraGamer noted that the sound design "could have been deeper," suggesting room for expansion, while GamingBolt acknowledged that specific details about sound design or music were not provided in their review. PLAY! Zine observed that the music "mainly revolves around the main theme" with situational variations, which might feel repetitive to some. Additionally, while several critics praised voice acting—such as COGconnected’s mention of Ekko’s "charming" voice and Meristation’s emphasis on original actors—the lack of detailed analysis on musical diversity or technical depth in certain reviews left some aspects underexplored. These critiques, however, were relatively minor compared to the overall enthusiasm for the audio elements. The consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music consistently praised for their quality and integration into the game’s world. While a few reviewers noted areas where the audio could have been more expansive or detailed, the majority highlighted its effectiveness in enhancing immersion and storytelling. The blend of electronic and industrial tracks, coupled with strong voice acting across multiple languages (including Spanish and Italian dubs), created a cohesive auditory experience that resonates with the game’s cyberpunk themes. Critics like COGconnected, Meristation, and Shacknews emphasized how the audio elements not only complement gameplay but also deepen the emotional and narrative impact, solidifying CONV/RGENCE as a standout in its genre.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics praise CONV/RGENCE's immersive, top-notch voice acting, with standout performances—especially Ekko’s charm—and authentic localization across languages. While minor technical issues like glitchy dialogue and poor lip-sync arose, they were overshadowed by the vocal work’s acclaim.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The majority of reviewers praised the voice acting in CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story, highlighting its immersive quality and contribution to the narrative. Pocket Tactics noted that fully-voiced characters enhance storytelling, while TierraGamer emphasized the presence of a Spanish dub with original voices, showcasing the game’s localization efforts. PlayStation Universe specifically commended the “top-notch” voice acting, particularly praising Ekko’s performance for adding depth, and COGconnected echoed this sentiment, calling Ekko’s voice “charming.” GamingBolt and Meristation highlighted the use of original actors, with the latter noting that all dialogue lines are voiced by the original cast, which “adds to the immersion and level of detail.” Additionally, Everyeye.it and Multiplayer.it lauded the Italian localization for capturing characters’ exaggerated personalities, while PLAY! Zine and Ragequit.gr described the voice acting as “excellent” and “authentic,” respectively. These reviews collectively underscore the high quality of the vocal performances across multiple languages and regions. While most critiques were positive, some technical issues were noted. Shacknews pointed out that “time-shifting effects on voiced dialogue can sometimes glitch,” which could disrupt immersion, and TheXboxHub criticized the lack of proper lip-sync, stating that “the same few animations are used for all characters during dialogue scenes, which feels out of place.” These remarks suggest that while the voice acting itself was strong, certain technical execution flaws occasionally detracted from the experience. However, such criticisms were relatively minor compared to the widespread acclaim for the vocal work. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all reviewers agreeing that the voice acting elevated the game’s storytelling and character development. The praise for Ekko’s performance by PlayStation Universe, GamingBolt, and COGconnected, along with the emphasis on original actors by Meristation and localized quality by Everyeye.it and Multiplayer.it, reflects a strong appreciation for the effort put into the vocal performances. While minor technical issues were mentioned, they did not overshadow the general enthusiasm for the voice acting, which many deemed a standout aspect of the game. TheXboxHub’s critique about animation mismatches and Shacknews’ note on dialogue glitches were exceptions rather than the norm, reinforcing that the voice acting was widely regarded as a significant strength.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

PS5 shines with flawless performance; Nintendo Switch stutters and crashes; PC has graphical glitches but remains playable. Optimization varies wildly.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story varies across platforms, with some notable positives. On the Nintendo Switch, TouchArcade praised the "top shelf" emulation, suggesting a polished experience despite occasional hiccups. Digital Chumps noted that while there were force closes during cutscenes and visual artifacts after bosses, the overall performance on the Switch was "good." For the PS5, both PlayStation Universe and The Games Machine highlighted smooth gameplay, with the former noting consistent 60 frames per second and the latter reporting no noticeable issues. On PC, while Multiplayer.it pointed out graphical bugs like missing command icons, the platform’s flexibility likely allowed for a functional experience despite these flaws. However, the negatives are more pronounced on certain platforms. The Switch faced significant criticism: Nintendo Life and Pure Nintendo both highlighted "significant performance issues," including frame rate drops, stuttering, and pacing problems that disrupted gameplay. Digital Chumps’ account of force closes and visual artifacts further underscores these concerns. On the PS5, while technical performance was strong, PlayStation Universe noted design flaws like backtracking without fast travel, which, though not a technical issue, impacted player experience. The PC version had its own challenges, with Multiplayer.it citing graphical bugs that affected usability. These issues suggest uneven optimization across platforms. Overall, the consensus leans toward the PS5 offering the most stable and polished technical performance, with both PlayStation Universe and The Games Machine praising its smoothness. The Switch version, while not entirely flawed, faced repeated complaints about frame pacing, stutters, and crashes from multiple critics like Nintendo Life and Pure Nintendo, despite some positive remarks from TouchArcade. The PC version had isolated technical issues but was likely playable for most users. While the game’s core mechanics were well-received, platform-specific optimization remains a critical factor in its overall success.

TL;DR

technical performance

PS5 shines with flawless performance; Nintendo Switch stutters and crashes; PC has graphical glitches but remains playable. Optimization varies wildly.

Replay Value

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TL;DR

CONV/RGENCE delivers engaging mechanics and collectibles that reward experimentation, but its short runtime, lack of backtracking, and predictable design limit replayability, appealing more to casual fans than purists.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

94%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The positive aspects of CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story’s replay value are highlighted by several critics who emphasize its engaging mechanics and optional content. Nintendo Life acknowledges the game’s short runtime but notes that incentives like loadout experimentation encourage players to revisit the experience. TouchArcade praises additional modes such as score attacking and online leaderboards, which add competitive layers to the gameplay. God is a Geek highlights collectibles, customization options, and hidden chests, suggesting the game can appeal to Metroidvania fans even without prior knowledge of League of Legends. The Games Machine and But Why Tho? also commend challenges, character customization, and adjustable difficulty settings, which create varied playthroughs. IGN Portugal and Meristation further note that secrets, rewards, and collectibles contribute to replayability, while ZTGD mentions side quests and cameos as additional content for fans. These elements collectively suggest the game offers enough depth for those interested in its mechanics and themes. However, several critics point out significant limitations to its replay value. Pure Nintendo criticizes the lack of backtracking appeal, noting that players can complete areas on their first run, which may disappoint Metroidvania enthusiasts accustomed to exploration-driven design. PlayStation Universe highlights the absence of fast travel as a hindrance, making repeated traversal tedious. COGconnected and Siliconera both describe the game as short and lacking substantial replayability once all content is collected, with the latter pointing to its linear structure as a key drawback. GameGrin and Meristation note that predictable enemy variants and easy completion reduce long-term engagement, while Multiplayer.it and Ragequit.gr mention minimal backtracking and insufficient challenges. These critiques suggest that while the game has moments of charm, its design prioritizes efficiency over extended playtime or exploration. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward a balanced view: CONV/RGENCE offers enough unique mechanics and optional content to satisfy casual players and League of Legends fans, but its replay value remains limited for others. While Nintendo Life, TouchArcade, and God is a Geek praise the game’s experimentation and collectibles, critics like Pure Nintendo, PlayStation Universe, and Siliconera argue that its linear structure and short length undermine long-term appeal. The game seems to strike a middle ground—delivering an enjoyable, streamlined experience for those who appreciate its narrative and mechanics but falling short of the expansive replayability expected by Metroidvania purists. Ultimately, it’s a title that may resonate more with niche audiences than casual or veteran players seeking deep, repeatable experiences.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story is largely positive, with critics praising its engaging metroidvania gameplay, immersive storytelling, and technical execution. Digital Chumps highlighted the game’s “memorable, challenging, and thoughtful” experience, while TierraGamer lauded its “innovative gameplay, compelling storytelling, and stunning visuals.” Nintendo Life noted its “well-paced and enjoyable Metroidvania,” and PlayStation Universe called it a “standout title in the genre” with emotional depth and innovation. The game’s faithful portrayal of Ekko’s abilities, combined with its atmospheric world-building and polished combat mechanics, resonated strongly with reviewers like God is a Geek, who praised its “visually appealing world,” and GameGrin, which recommended it as an “excellent metroidvania title.” Many critics also emphasized its accessibility for both League of Legends fans and newcomers, with PLAY! Zine noting that it’s “highly recommended even without prior knowledge” of the franchise. However, several critiques pointed to notable shortcomings. Performance issues on the Nintendo Switch, such as frame drops and technical hiccups, were mentioned by Nintendo Life and Pure Nintendo, while Pocket Tactics criticized the game for lacking originality and depth despite its polished mechanics. COGconnected highlighted a “high difficulty curve” and limited replay value, and Meristation noted predictable storytelling and underwhelming boss battles. TheXboxHub was particularly critical, calling the game “not a bad title but falls flat in certain areas,” citing its linear structure and rushed design as drawbacks. Additionally, some reviewers, like App Trigger, felt the narrative paled in comparison to other League of Legends spin-offs, while MMORPG.com noted it “plays it safe” without significant innovation. These critiques often centered on the game’s reliance on established metroidvania tropes and its inability to fully capitalize on its potential. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that CONV/RGENCE is a solid, enjoyable entry in the metroidvania genre and a worthy addition to the League of Legends universe. While it may not break new ground, its strengths—such as tight platforming, atmospheric visuals, and emotional storytelling—earn it praise from multiple outlets. Reviewers like Shacknews and Siliconera emphasized its accessibility and satisfying gameplay, even if it “plays it safe,” while COGconnected and Gamereactor UK acknowledged its value for fans of the genre. The game’s ability to balance nostalgia with fresh mechanics, despite minor flaws, has positioned it as a recommended title for both series enthusiasts and action-platformer aficionados. While not without its issues, the critical reception underscores its success as a competent and engaging experience.

TL;DR

CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story earns praise for its tight metroidvania gameplay, emotional storytelling, and stunning visuals, but suffers from Switch performance hiccups, predictable design, and limited innovation. While not groundbreaking, it’s a recommended pick for fans and action-platformer lovers despite its flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

40 reviews found

TierraGamer

Nintendo Switch

Aug 24, 2023